State Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas announced that he is running for Texas attorney general, making him the first Democrat to officially enter the race for the open statewide seat.
In his campaign launch, Johnson took aim at the current officeholder, Ken Paxton, saying Texas “ought to have a good lawyer. We don’t.” He added, “I’m running to be Texas’s next Attorney General in order to change that.”
Johnson accused Paxton of using the office to serve “personal and political interests,” saying the agency has been “corrupted and abused and debased.” Paxton, who has served as attorney general since 2015, is not seeking re-election and is instead running for the U.S. Senate against Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary.
Although Johnson is the first Democrat to announce a run for the attorney general post, three Republicans have already entered the race: State Sens. Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, along with former Department of Justice official Aaron Reitz.
Johnson was first elected to the State Senate in 2018 after defeating Republican State Sen. Don Huffines, who is himself a current statewide candidate for comptroller. In his announcement, he touted his work on healthcare and energy policy, highlighting efforts to expand Medicaid and reform Texas’ insurance marketplace. “Sometimes by collaborating, sometimes fighting, sometimes both,” he said.
As he is not up for re-election until 2028, he will not have to relinquish his seat for the campaign.
Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994—a 30-year drought the party is hoping to end in 2026. Johnson acknowledged the uphill battle ahead but said he believes Texans are ready for change.
“I’m sick of it. And I’m betting that the people of Texas are, too. They do not want more of the same,” Johnson said. “Texas needs an attorney general who can meet the moment … I can, and will.”
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
